Non-Parallel Axis Coupling Assembly With Curved Contact Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional coupling assemblies for rotating components with non-parallel axes suffer from wear, scuffing, instability, high maintenance costs, and inability to handle high torque levels and surface velocities, while also failing to maintain constant contact and pressure angles.
Innovation Solution
A coupling assembly comprising an eccentric axis plate, a slider plate, and an adapter plate with involute curves and grooves that allow for non-parallel axis coupling, maintaining constant contact and pressure angles, and accommodating high torque and surface velocities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional coupling assemblies are used to couple rotating components with non-parallel axes, then the components can be connected, but wear, scuffing, and galling occur on the components and coupling assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved or arcuate contact surfaces between coupling components instead of flat or linear interfaces. The drive tang and groove features utilize curved geometries that allow for smoother relative motion and distribute contact stresses more evenly, reducing wear and scuffing during operation with non-parallel axes
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameters of the coupling interface, specifically using non-linear, curved profiles for the drive tang and groove features. This parameter change allows the coupling to accommodate non-parallel axes while maintaining favorable contact conditions that reduce wear and improve durability
2Reliability
If conventional coupling assemblies are used, then components can be coupled, but the assembly becomes unstable in operation and difficult to install, maintain, repair, and remove
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling assembly is divided into separable components including the drive tang, groove features, and coupling body sections. This segmentation allows the assembly to be disassembled for installation, maintenance, and repair while maintaining stable operation when assembled, as each component can be independently positioned and secured
3Reliability
If conventional coupling assemblies are used, then components can be connected, but the assembly becomes undesirably large and permits undesirable rotation during non-crushing operation
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling features utilize asymmetric drive tang and groove geometries that are optimized for the specific motion requirements of non-parallel axis coupling. This asymmetric design provides adequate rotational control during operation while minimizing the overall volume of the coupling assembly by eliminating unnecessary material in non-critical areas
4Power
If conventional coupling assemblies are used, then components can be coupled, but the assembly does not tolerate high torque levels and surface velocities and does not produce constant torque levels
Solution Approach 1:
The curved contact surfaces and arcuate drive tang profiles create more favorable stress distributions during high torque transmission. The curved geometry allows for smoother force transmission and reduces stress concentrations, enabling the assembly to tolerate higher torque levels and surface velocities while maintaining more constant torque levels throughout the coupling cycle
5Reliability
If conventional coupling assemblies are used, then components can be connected, but the assembly does not maintain constant contact or reduce surface pressure between components
Solution Approach 1:
The curved drive tang and groove features create line or area contact instead of point contact, distributing surface pressures more evenly across the interface. This curved geometry maintains more constant contact between components during operation while reducing peak surface pressures that would otherwise occur with conventional straight or angular interfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling assembly adapted for use on an item of equipment having a first component and a second component and including an eccentric axis plate having a first surface that is operatively connected to the first component and a second surface having a drive tang extending therefrom, a slider plate having a first surface that is in operational contact with the drive tang and having a first groove therein and a second surface having a second groove therein, and an adapter plate having a first surface that is in operational contact with the slider plate second surface and having an adapter plate tang extending therefrom and a second surface that is operatively connected to the second component. The longitudinal axis of the first component and the longitudinal axis of the second component are non-parallel, and the assembly is adapted to couple the first component and the second component.